ALTON Social Bowling Club men began the defence of their Basingstoke Fours League title with a nail-biting 59-56 win at close rivals Oakley.

Only Adam White’s rink was left to finish as darkness closed in, with the overall score 38-38 and White’s men starting the last end 18-18. It was more a test of memory in the gloom, but it was three shots to Social and victory.

Social’s Whitchurch League team continued their excellent start to the season with a 5-0 win over St Mary Bourne and are the early Division?Two leaders.

Mark Fyfield defeated Hook’s Denis Charles 21-14 in the national Champion of Champions, while Dick Holden beat Cove’s Terry Hart 21-13 in the Senior Singles.

Farnham Bowling Club recorded a 3-2 win over Mytchett in the first round of the National Top Club competition. Farnham play Egham in the next round.

Other Farnham results:

Aldershot League Premier

Farnham 36, Cove A 70. May 22. Details (Farnham named): M Rejman, N Falla, B Fairhurst, C Thomas lost 15-17; D Perrett, T Cull, D Fitchett, B Sturt lost 10-30; M Gorman, J Butterworth, A Byrd, N Beeson lost 11-23.

Three Counties League

Farnham 43, Petersfield A 58. May 22. Details (Farnham named): B Johnson, M Fry, B Langford won 18-16; J Booth, J Cox, I Webster lost 11-23; S Webster, F Camis, V Greenfield lost 14-19.

Haslemere BC results:

Haslemere 46, Rogate 52 (Petersfield Cup May 21).

Stedham 32, Haslemere 61 (May 26).

Bramley 58, Haslemere 44 (May 27).